Technically, there are no Bellingham casinos. But there are two within a 30-minute drive of Downtown. Both are owned by the Lummi Nation tribe. As such, they offer all the usual Native American casino perks (superb restaurants, top-name entertainment etc). And, as Washington State law dictates, they offer slots, table games and carnival-style amusements.
Casinos in Florida to Visit in 2024 | You Will Be SurprisedYou’ll find electronic gaming machines aplenty at the Bellingham casinos. These are essentially the same as slots. Though their handles don’t turn and their reels don’t spin, you’re still spinning that digital drum for a chance to win big. Table games, meanwhile, tend to be a mix of traditional and variants. While the former are games like roulette and blackjack that follow standard international rules, the latter can vary from one tribal casino to another. So it pays to check what you’re getting into if any of this tickles your fancy. Below, you’ll find some more details on each venue along with links to our dedicated guides to gambling in Washington State…
Casinos in Bellingham, Washington
Situated on Lake Samish, this venue is huge both inside and out. With three floors and over 250,000 square feet, it isn’t just one of the biggest casinos in the Evergreen State. It’s also one of the largest in the entire US. Fortunately, there’s a hotel on site if you get tired walking. Otherwise the highroads will have to do. Interstates 5 and 90 are within easy reach while US Route 9 runs right past the front door.
Ways You Can Win More Money Gambling (That Won't Involve a Genie)In terms of facilities, it’s got everything. Three hotels (one of which has a water park), dozens of restaurants, gift shops, coffee houses, a nightclub, lounge bars, delis and fast food outlets. Oh, and did I mention the world class entertainment venue that has hosted everyone from Barry Manilow to Jerry Seinfeld? In short, this place is a destination unto itself. Even if you’re not into gambling, there’s plenty here to keep you entertained. If you’re planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest, I strongly recommend you drop by.
Slot Machines and Other Electronic Gaming Devices at the Casino
With 2,400 slot machines, the gaming floor at this resort is bigger than some casinos. Indeed, it would rank in the top ten if it were a free standing venue. Unsurpringly, there’s a huge selection of games available with all the latest titles rubbing shoulders with classic reel spinners and cutting edge multi-game machines.
- Uptown Girls SunTanCity
- Wolf Run
- Shanghai Kiss
- China Shores
- Dragon Spin
- Buffalo Gold
- Fire Light
- Lightning Link
- Dancing Drums
In addition to these and other popular slots, you’ll find a selection of electronic table games (ETGs.) These allow you to play games like roulette and blackjack without having to wait around for a seat to become available. Plus, there aren’t any etiquette faux pas to worry about. No more accidentally revealing your ignorance by bet incorrectly or in the wrong color chip! Simply sit down, select your bet size and enjoy the game. Other electronic gaming devices include keno computers, lottery terminals and video poker machines.
Free No Deposit Bonus Spins Casinos in Australia, 2023Table Games at the Casino
If you like spinning a real drum rather than a digital one, you’ll find plenty of traditional slot machines at this Bellingham casino. Known as “Classics,” these machines dominate the gaming floor alongside a selection of multi-game cabinets that host numerous titles. Just some of the slot machines you can play in Bellingham include:
- Wheel of Fortune
- Sailfish Saucy Moon
- King Chameleon
- Hot Drop Jackpots
- Wizard of Oz
- Grease
- Elvis The King
- Pharaoh’s Secret Temple
As I said, there is a huge selection of games on offer so it’s worth taking your time to find the best slot machines for you. Volatility, return-to-player (RTP) and hit frequency are all important factors but, personally, I prefer to choose my games based on theme or graphic design. Why not try a few different games with small bets until you find one you like?
Restaurants
Eating is something of an art form at this Bellingham casino. With nine restaurants to choose between, you could eat something different every day for almost three weeks before you had to reign supreme. Of course, you might want to save some room for the buffet, dessert parlour and assortment of bars, grills, cafes and takeaways dotted around the property.
- Nostalgia Bay features all your favorite fast foods.
- The Café at the Grand serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Johnny Rockets is a 1950s style burger joint.
- Tacos 2 Go sells Mexican street food.
- Deli in the Desert serves sandwiches, salads and snacks.
- Miyako Japanese Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
- Santé is an Italian restaurant specializing in stone baked pizza.
- The Food Court features several eateries including Pasta Palace, Mongolian Grill, Oriental Kitchen and Napoli Pizzeria.
When it comes to dining in style, this venue really pulls out all the stops. For a truly unique experience, I recommend trying Nostalgia Bay. This retro themed eatery features counters shaped like old fashioned soda fountains where you can order milkshakes, hot dogs, hamburgers and other fast foods. Alternatively, you may want to sample some fine cuisine at one of the upscale restaurants. Examples include the upscale Agio and the seasonal Vasco da Gama. The former offers a contemporary take on Mediterranean dishes while the latter specializes in seafood. Finally, there’s the all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant known simply as the Buffet. Here you’ll find a variety of international dishes prepared freshly throughout the day.
new casino in michiganBars and Lounges
If you like to wash your slots down with a drink or two, you won’t be disappointed. There are bars and lounges situated throughout the property. Examples include the High Limit Lounge, Center Bar, Nostalgia Bay Counter Service and the Coffee House. However, if you really want to indulge your inner mixologist, I recommend checking out the following establishments:
- Chevy’s El Loco Lounge
- Johnny Rockets
- Island Grove Dance Club
El Loco Lounge is an Agave-themed bar that serves tequila cocktails, draft beer and wine. It also offers appetizers and light bites if you need to line your stomach before hitting the tables. Then there’s Johnny Rocket’s. As well as burgers, fries and shakes, this rockin’ ’50s diner serves up a variety of ice cold beers, spirits and other refreshments. Finally, there’s the Island Grove dance club. This expansive nightclub plays host to some of the biggest names in entertainment. When the likes of Barry Manilow and Jay Leno aren’t in residence, the resident DJs will spin the tunes to keep you dancing till dawn.
Online Baccarat Tips That Will Help You Win MoreSpecial Events and Entertainment
This venue is renowned for its world-class entertainment. From comedy to music, magic to theater, there’s always something going on at the Sycuan. Best of, you don’t have to gamble to enjoy it. However, I should point out that the high-energy atmosphere created by the entertainers does have a habit of inspiring people to spend money on slots and other games. That’s why the casino hosts so many shows aimed at families. By entertaining the kids, the parents are free to enjoy the gaming floor free from nagging and whining. Win-win, right?
Barry Manilow. Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm in the Island Grove Ballroom.
Jay Leno. Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm & 9:30pm in the Island Grove Ballroom.
Dennis Miller. Sunday through Thursday at 7:30pm & 9:30pm in the Island Grove Ballroom.
Hypnotist Clark Jones. August 16 to September 1, 2022 at 8pm in the Presentation House.
The Illusionists – Live from Broadway. August 27 to 28, 2022 at 4pm and 7pm in the Island Grove Ballroom.
An Evening with Larry the Cable Guy. October 8, 2022 at 8pm in the Island Grove Ballroom.
Casinos Where You Can Bet on Roulette with Crypto and Get Free BetsMenopause The Musical. October 13 to 16, 2022 at various times in the Presentation House.
For a complete list of upcoming events, visit the . You can purchase tickets online or in person at the Sycuan Box Office. If you’re planning to see a show, combine your visit with a meal at one of the restaurants or cocktails at one of the bars for the perfect night out.
Hotel and Accommodations
If you plan on spending more than a day at the casino, there are four hotels to choose between. Each has its own unique characteristics and amenities, so it’s worth checking out the websites to see which one suits your needs best.
- The Sycuan Gateway – This hotel is located just across the road from the main casino complex and features suites with fireplaces and full kitchenettes. Every room has a jetted tub and mountain view. Other amenities include a business center, fitness room and heated indoor/outdoor pools. Free shuttle service is provided to and from the casino.
- Sycuan Lodge – This lodge is connected to the casino by skywalk. Rooms feature either one king or two queen beds, 55” flat screen HDTVs, mini fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, irons, ironing boards, hair dryers and private baths with jetted tubs. The decor is woodsy with earthy tones creating a comfortable, relaxed ambiance.
- Wild River Country Suites – Amenities at this hotel are similar to those offered at the Lodge. However, rooms are larger and feature separate living areas with pull out sofas.
- Wild River Country Cottages – These cottages sleep six people across two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area with sofabed and fully equipped kitchen. They also feature fireplaces, private decks and Jacuzzis®. Ideal for families or groups of friends traveling together.
Obviously, the Waterside Hotel & Casino is the pick of the bunch when it comes to convenience. However, the other three properties are still within easy walking distance. If you want to be closer to the action, book a room at the Lodge or Sycuan Gateway. If you’d prefer a secluded base with resort style amenities, check out the Wild River Country Suites and Cottages. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Casinos near Bellingham, WA
If you’re willing to travel a little further afield, Washington State has plenty of Indian casinos to discover. Some are located on the coast while others sit among the mountains. One thing they all have in common, however, is that scenic beauty and a wide range of gaming options. Below, you’ll find details of some of my personal favorites along with links to our detailed guides.
Little Creek Casino Resort
Located on the Oakland Bottom Peninsula between the Strait of Juan De Fuca and Discovery Bay, this casino sits at the western extremity of the Olympic Peninsula. It’s a two hour drive from Bellingham via Route 20 and 101. Alternatively, it’s approximately the same distance if you head south on I5 then west on Route 108.
When the original Little Creek Casino opened its doors in 1997, it featured 250 slot machines, 6 table games and a modest restaurant. How things have changed…Today, the venue has been expanded and renovated numerous times to create a sprawling resort with multiple restaurants, a food court, lounge bars, delis, a nightclub, gift shop, childcare services, bowling alley and entertainment complex.
The bowling alley contains eight lanes and is open daily from 10am to 2am. Prices start at $2 per game plus $1 per pair of shoes. Discounted rates are available for military personnel, seniors and children. Cosmic Bowling is held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9pm to 1am. The price includes shoe rental and features glow sticks, black lights and loud music.
The Pavilion features carnival style amusements for all ages. Attractions change regularly, but recent examples have included Whac A Mole, crane grabbers, basketball hoops, air hockey tables, bumper cars and roller coasters. Tokens and prizes can be bought using Pavilion Playcards, which can be topped up as required. This eliminates the need to carry around pockets full of quarters.
8+ Best Play Roulette Casino Sites in the USA - Top Rated Brands for 2023The Little Eagle Golf Course is a par 72 layout measuring 6,807 yards from the tips. It was designed by John Harbottle and opened for play in July 2001. As well as a pro shop, lessons and club rental, the facility features a restaurant overlooking the 18th green.
Restaurants: Seven Feathers offers buffet-style dining with a variety of international dishes cooked freshly throughout the day. Alternatively, Johnny’s Sports Bar & Grill serves up pub grub such as burgers, pizzas, salads and sandwiches.
Best Free Slots Apps to Play for Fun - iPhone & AndroidThis is a medium sized casino with around 750 slots and video poker machines. However, it still manages to pack in a great selection of games from staple titles by industry leading developers to cutting edge innovations. Here are some of the slot machines at Little Eagle Casino:
- Buffalo Gold
- Dragon Spin
- Chinese New Year
- China Shore
- Blazing 777
- Lightning Link
- Dancing Drums
- Fire Light
- Hot Drop Jackpots
Table games can be found in a central pit. Blackjack, mini-baccarat, craps, roulette and several varieties of poker are available. PokerListings note that the poker room usually has five or six tables in operation. Game variations include Hold’em, Omaha and Stud. Limit and No Limit games are offered with blinds ranging from $1/$2 to $5/$10.
Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
This casino is located on the Kitsap Peninsula overlooking the Hood Canal Bridge. It’s approximately a 90 minute drive from Bellingham via I5 and Route 3. Alternatively, it’s possible to catch a ferry from downtown Seattle to nearby Kingston. The ride takes roughly 30 minutes and ferries run frequently throughout the day.
Best Real Money Casinos Online (UK) for 2023The resort consists of two venues separated by a golf course. There’s the original Clearwater Casino and the newer Little River Casino & Hotel. Together, they offer hundreds of hotel rooms, dozens of restaurants, gift shops, live entertainment, a deli, lounge bars and a bowling alley.
The Clearwater Cozy Bowl features eight lanes of conventional bowling as well as cosmic bowling on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm to midnight. Shoe rental costs $3.50 per person. Child sizes are available.
Carnival games can be found in the Pavilion. This arcade contains a variety of amusement machines suitable for all ages. These include basketball hoops, crane machines, UFO catchers, motorbikes, bouncy castles, video games and simulators. Token kegs and prize vouchers can be purchased at the kiosk.
The Little Creek Golf Course is a par 72 layout stretching 6,808 yards from the back tees. It was designed by JohnHarbottle and opened for play in July 2001. Facilities include a pro shop, practice ranges, putting greens, carts, clubs and lesson tuition. The Woods Restaurant overlooks the 18th green and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Restaurants: The River Rock Cafe serves a range of American comfort food while Jimmy’s Indoor Seafood Grill & Raw Bar focuses on fish and seafood. Alternatively, Big Daddy’s Roadhouse is a 24-hour diner serving burgers, steaks, ribs, wraps, salads and sandwiches.
Best Caesars Casino Slots - Try These Top Caesars Games OnlineThere are around 1,500 slot machines at this casino resort. That means there’s literally hundreds of titles to choose from. Whether you like five reel video slots, classic reel machines or progressive jackpot spinners, you’re sure to find some games you like. Check out this selection:
- Buffalo Gold
- Dragon Spin
- Chinese New Year
- China Shore
- Blazing 777
- Lightning Link
- Dancing Drums
- Fire Light
- Hot Drop Jackpots
Blackjack, roulette, craps, Spanish 21, mini-Baccarat, pai gow and several poker variants are available on the main gaming floor and in a central pit. Additionally, a high-limit room caters to those with deep pockets and a penchant for risk.
Poker players are catered for with cash games and tournaments running on a regular basis. Limit and No Limit Hold’em are the order of the day with stakes ranging from $1/$2 to $5/$10. Omaha and Stud are also available. Tournaments typically have buy-ins of $65 to $400 depending on the event.
Conclusion
Washington State may only have nine Indian casinos operated by the state’s various tribes, but they come in all shapes and sizes. One thing they all have in common, though, is their connection to native culture.
Known locally as Tribes, these organizations are recognized by the state and federal governments as sovereign entities. This gives them a degree of autonomy and allows them to operate businesses such as casinos on their reservations. Many have used this income to transform their peoples’ lives.
It’s difficult to imagine life in Bellingham without the iconic Mount Baker Casino. However, when it first opened its doors in 1973, there was initial resistance from local authorities. Today, that resistance seems utterly misplaced. After all, the revenue generated by the venue stays within the community. What’s more, it provides hundreds of jobs and attracts thousands of visitors to the area each year.
That’s the beauty of tribal casinos. They benefit the communities in which they reside while also providing entertainment for locals and tourists alike. Furthermore, the fact they’re nonprofit enterprises means profits go back into the system. This could be reinvested in the business or distributed among the tribe’s members.
So, the next time someone starts banging on about how casinos exploit the poor and vulnerable, remind them that tribal operations often provide a route out of poverty. Moreover, stringent regulations and rigorous due diligence ensure that problem gambling doesn’t become a problem for the Tribes.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief introduction to Bellingham’s casinos. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, feel free to browse our other US regional guides using the menu above.
Footnotes:
- Population data is from the .
- Mount Baker Casino history is courtesy of .
Jim Allen is a freelance writer and experienced gambling author who specialises in writing about casinos. He has spent more than a decade producing content for publications such as Global Gambling Guide, PokerListings, DirtyGram and CalvinAyre.com.
When he isn’t writing or looking after his three young children, Jim finds time to play rugby, support Liverpool FC and pray for winners at the races.
